New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) has exercised an option for eight additional Bombardier ALP-45 dual-power locomotives, which will bring the total number of Bombardier locomotives on NJ Transit’s system to 60. This is the agency’s fourth order for this locomotive type and is based on a contract signed in 2008.
As previously reported by Mass Transit, the NJ Transit Board of Directors approved a $70.5-million contract for the additional locomotives in mid-July.
“We are very proud of our long-standing partnership with NJ Transit and the agency’s reliance on our proven ALP-45 DP locomotives as it continues to modernize and expand its rail fleet,” said Elliot G. (Lee) Sander, president, Americas Region, Bombardier Transportation. “These new locomotives are far more environmentally-friendly than the diesel units they’re replacing. Additionally, they offer NJ Transit greater operating flexibility and provide passengers with the safety and convenience of a one-seat ride to and from Penn Station in New York City.”
The new dual-power locomotives will meet current EPA Tier IV requirements, reducing emissions when operating in diesel mode and running emission-free when operating in electric mode. They will also offer a significant increase in horsepower, acceleration and available head-end power over the units they will be replacing. The units can operate under both diesel power and alternating current electric power from overhead lines. Their flexible power system enables the locomotives to operate across the entire NJ Transit rail system, which includes both electrified and non-electrified lines, thus allowing passengers to travel between New Jersey and New York City’s Penn Station without having to change trains. Deliveries are scheduled for 2022.
NJ Transit is an established customer of Bombardier. Over the years, Bombardier has provided more than 100 electric and dual-power locomotives, hundreds of push-pull commuter coaches and 429 MultiLevel I and II vehicles to NJ Transit. Last year, NJ Transit awarded Bombardier a contract for 113 MultiLevel III commuter rail cars, the latest generation of these popular vehicles, featuring new amenities designed to enhance the customer experience. In addition, Bombardier was a member of the consortium that designed and built NJ Transit’s turnkey River LINE light-rail system between Camden and Trenton and now operates and maintains the system under a contract with NJ Transit.
